CA Deadline To Get REAL ID For Free Approaches This Week

CALIFORNIA — California residents have until Dec. 31 to get a REAL ID free of charge, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Residents who renewed a license or ID card between March 2020 and July 2021 are eligible to upgrade for free, the agency said.

The state is not requiring residents to upgrade, but Californians will need either a REAL ID or a passport to board all domestic flights or enter secure federal facilities after May 3, 2023 — the last deadline for the REAL ID. Those who are under 18 years old are not required to have this ID to fly.

View the DMV's fact sheet about the REAL ID here.

The Department of Homeland Security postponed the requirement for air travelers again in late April.

It's important to note that the new federally compliant ID card looks slightly different from a traditional California Driver License. This new card will have a little gold bear in the top right corner, while a driver's license will be labeled "federal limits apply."

Any Californian who can prove their legal presence in the U.S. with one accepted identity document is eligible to apply for this card, officials said. DACA and Temporary Protected Status recipients are also eligible to applyif their documents are current, the DMV said. See the REAL ID checklist here.

The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

Information about the REAL ID in Español can be found here.

How to apply for the REAL ID in California

To apply for the new card, you'll need to gather a few documents and take a trip to the DMV.1. First gather any of the following identity documents:

• Valid U.S. passport
• Birth certificate
• U.S. certificate or consular report of birth abroad
• Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
• Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card
• Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) Card (I-766) or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C)
• Unexpired Permanent Resident Card or valid/expired Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) or Approval Notice (I-797)
• Unexpired foreign passport stamped "Processed for I-551"
• Documents reflecting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) benefit eligibility

2. Then find proof of your social security number (full number required)

• Social Security card
• W-2 form
• SSA-1099 form
• Non-SSA-1099 form
• Paystub

3. Gather two of these documents to prove California residency

• Home utility bills (including cellular phone)
• Medical documents
• Car or Boat registration
• Employment documents
• Insurance documents
• Bank and Financial institution records
• Change of Address confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
• Mortgage bill
• Rental or lease agreement (signed by owner and tenant)
• IRS or California FTB tax return

4. Complete the application process online and upload your documents here.

5. Visit a DMV office. Find one close to you.
"Check wait times before you go and bring your application confirmation code," officials said. "Your confirmation code will work like an appointment."